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Showing posts with label Miss Universe 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miss Universe 2009. Show all posts

NICK APPEARANCES.....2010 Premios Juventud, Chica Orbit: RECAP Part 1

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NICK APPEARANCES.....2010 Premios Juventud, Chica Orbit: RECAP Part 1

Part One: Swarovski Crystals, Hot & Humid Miami...and a Run-In with Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez? Orbit Gum Limo: Nick Verreos rides the limo with "Chica Orbit", Rosario Abarca Last week, I flew to Miami. Why, you may ask? Well, kids, for the last three years, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Wrigley's and Orbit Gum--the most fashionable gum in the planet thank you very much--in creating perfect red carpet dresses, inspired by Orbit Gum, for Premios Juventud. In 2008, I designed...A very "retro" strapless white silk duchess dress (with an Orbit Gum "Jackie O" pillbox hat of course!). And in 2009... I created this "Orbit Blue" silk jersey Grecian goddess dress above. This time, the clients LOVED the gown I designed for Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez for People En Español"50 Most Beautiful" gala, that they asked me to create a brand new one, inspired by that one, to highlight the brand new retro-printed boxes Orbit Gum just released. Therefore, for this 2010 Premios Juventud, I designed a one-shoulder with a back draped cowl shorter "cocktail" version of Stefania Fernandez's long, flowing Batwing gown (sketch above). Swarovski Worktable: David Paul's Chica Orbit Accessories-in-the-process Back at my studio in LA--for the last three weeks--I have have been working "feverishly" to create the dress and get the print made. Once again, I enlisted the help of my favorite printer First2Print--LOVE THEM! I also had the AMAZING aid of my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul, who created the perfect silver faux python skin clutch, "Orbit" earrings and bracelets, using HUNDREDS of gorgeous Swarovski Crystallized Elements sequins. Last Tuesday, I arrived to Miami to my "Home Base", the sprawling Loews Hotel and Resort in Miami Beach. It was GORGEOUS (the hotel) and the weather, well, very HOT (95 degrees) and HUMID (70%). The hotel is right on the beach (that was my view!) and features a stunning pool, a fabulous spa and restaurants galore! But no time for that since just a couple hours after dropping my suitcase, it was time for a fitting with my Chica Orbit, the beautiful Peruvian-born Rosario Abarca. Just A Peak: Chica Orbit fitting the Nick Verreos "Premios Juventud 2010" dress and the earrings, Loews Hotel Miami Beach She tried on the dress and it fit PERFECTLY! (this was the first time ever meeting her!). She looked BEAUTIFUL! Like an "Orbit Gum Barbie" come to life! After little minor alterations (close the slit just a little bit) and deciding if the clients liked my custom "Orbit" accessories (they loved them), it was time for a little shopping and sightseeing... Tourist Nick: Nick Verreos poses in front of the former Gianni Versace Mansion, The Villa by Barton G. Of course, I walked into Ocean Drive and ventured to The Villa by Barton G., best known as The Gianni Versace Mansion. I also did a little bit of "retail damage" naturally, but the heat was overpowering my sweat glands and I ran back to the hotel after an hour! I then received a message from my friend Roston Ogata, Creative Director for the Miss Universe Organization (and "Momma Chaperone" to Miss Universe). He was in town, along with Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009, and wanted to hang out. Done and Done, Part DOS! Delicioso: Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009, eyes her Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas After a shirt-change (remember, it's 95 Degrees and 70 % humidity!), I made my way to The Viceroy Hotel (very fancy-schmancy!) where they were staying and as I arrived Stefania, Roston, and a few friends were at the lobby waiting for me. The friends had brought the STUNNING Stefania (who was in town for some TV shoots) Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas as a "Welcome" care package (yummy!). Viceroy View: Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009 and Nick Verreos, The Viceroy Hotel Downtown Miami For my part, I brought her some of my Nikolaki gowns that I took with me to Miami. Maybe she might wear one when she goes to Las Vegas in August for Miss Universe 2010. Who knows? Later that night, I was invited to a Pre-Premios Juventud "VIP Tour" party/concert featuring the very popular Venezuelan reggaeton duo, Chino y Nacho. Stefania LOVES them so she pleaded if she could come. Well, done and done! Hello, she IS Miss Universe after all. Miami Vice: Nick Verreos and Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, Premios Juventud VIP Tour Pre-Party/Concert We had a great time but called it a night right after Chino y Nacho's performance: Stefania was leaving back to NYC and I had to get some rest for the next day's Premios Juventud Awards Show. I was to help my "muse", the Chica Orbit get ready and styled correctly, as well as walk the blue carpet along with her. Stay tuned for my Recap of the night! Ciao for now.
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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009: Red Carpet Year In Review

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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009: Red Carpet Year In Review

Universal Fashion Doll:
If you've been keeping up with the Pageant World (and I have of course!) you might remember that early this year, in the Bahamas Atlantis Resort, 19 year old Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009. This was the second year in a row a woman from that country (where I was raised by the way) had won the coveted crown. She has since made many appearances, representing the Miss Universe Organization and on behalf of AIDS, a cause which the Donald Trump-owned organization supports. She's also been "out-and-about" at parties, events and many a fashion week shows. Stefania has become a little "fashion plate" in her own right. The Miss Universe Organization has their own stylist who works with their title holders providing designs to best "market" their girls in the public eye. Some are from the sponsors of the pageant and some are from the designers whose show she is attending (if it's during Fashion Week). Then after that, I'm sure the stylist goes shopping or may get dresses from various stores and designers from all over. Here is my 2009 Year-In-Fashion-Review of Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe '09...Some Good... Monochromatic Queen: Here is Stefania in one of her most recent red carpet appearances, where she debuted her new above-the-shoulder hairstyle. I think she looks modern, fresh and less of the typical "Pageant Betty", more model-like/TV host. The monochromatic look works on her with the black dress layered over black stockings. I'm sure her Latino base of fans may not like the somberness and expect more brighter hues, but to me, she looks modern. Best Dressed: Here-- at the recent Latin Grammys this month in Las Vegas-- she is in one of my favorite looks. The sand-colored shirred one-shoulder mini-dress looks fantastic. Her asymmetrical hair-bun compliments the overall look as well. The shoulder copper detail adds just the right amount of "bling". Trust me, looking at some of the crazy dresses our Latina sisters wore to the Latin Grammys, Stefania looked AMAZING!!!!Miss Spartacus: Another favorite is this black Grecian-inspired dress, which she wore to the Toni Maticevski NY Fashion Week Show. I am LIVING for the serious DIVA you-can't-touch-me look!Clean and Simple: Here she is at the Narciso Rodriguez NY Fashion Show in a pretty midnight blue fitted dress. She looks good, but I might have done without the pageant-esque Diamante earrings--not necessary for a dress with such clean lines. Fun and Flirty: At another NY Fashion Week event, she looked young and flirty in this ruffled charmeuse number. Cute and young--after all the girl is still only 19!!! I like it.After-Five Dept: And last, I'm on the fence on this violet ruched satin dress. It's very I-bought-it-at-the-"After-Five"-section-at-Macy's. Nothing against that section. But maybe for Miss Universe, you want to strive for "Milan" and not Going-to-a-wedding-in-Woodland Hills, California. And the Maybe-Not's:Handkerchief No-No: When I saw this photo of the gorgeous Stefania, I went "Oh Dear!". She's at the Custo Barcelona NY Fashion Week Show, and I can only surmise that she's wearing Custo naturally. Another designer friend of mine said that she looked like one of the "Real Housewives from Orange County". And I kind of agree.Stefania and Designer Zang Toi: Zang Toi has provided many a dress or gown for past Miss Universes. Here she is with the designer posing the day of his NY Fashion Week Show. Toi is known for some over-the-top concoctions that border on top-of-a-wedding-cake so for him, the ensemble she was wearing was quite subdued. Maybe too much so. The black 3/4 coat and lace dress aged her. Leave that to her mother. Lace Overkill: Finally, Stefania made an appearance at a Mary McFadden Tribute Cocktail Reception this September at the Hotel Gansevoort where she wore a high-necked lace overlay dress. I actually like the high-neck style of the dress and the hair is perfect. Part of me wishes I had a pair of scissors to cut about 12 inches from the lace so it would match the inner lining hem. Overall, the year was a fashion success for the newly crowned Miss Universe. So here's to a fashionable 2010 for the gorgeous Stefania! Buen provecho mi amor! Update: Here is video of Stefania's haircut and how the decision was made! Do you like the new style?!
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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2009: Miss Venezuela Wins...Again

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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2009: Miss Venezuela Wins...Again

It's Venezuela's Night in the Bahamas!Sunday night the final telecast of the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant took place--live from the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Of course, being a pageant fan-- and a designer of many Miss Universe and Miss USA gowns--I watched. Since I had been at this amazing resort last November as part of the Islands Of The World Fashion Week, I was excited to see all the beauty of this amazing island nation.The favorites were the gorgeous "Noxema Clean" looking Miss Australia and Miss Dominican Republic, an exotic almost 6-foot-tall Creole beauty, who had previously won Miss World Dominican Republic. Miss Venezuela, a lovely 18 year old model made it into the Top 15 but she was not in many pageant watchers lists of who would win. Especially since last year's winner was also from Venezuela and the same country winning back-to-back had never happened in the history of the pageant.During the entire night, as one watched by the scores, it was a tough fight between Australia and Dominican Republic through the Swimsuit and Evening Gown Competitions. The gowns were pretty enough. Nothing mind-blowing or extraordinary. And no one fell! (remember the last two years?) I was happy to see a lack of CHA-CHA-showing slits (Thank you VERY MUCH!) or clear Lucite Stripper Heels (2nd Thank You!). Miss Venezuela was coming in 4th or third (if one followed the scores), then the interview portion came. And no one really answered their question in a "Give her the damn crown!" sort of way. Andre and his Louis Vuitton: One highlight was the DIVA Andre Leon Talley, from Vogue Magazine, who asked Miss Venezuela her question. I just wanted to know what kind of a private plane it took to get him there and how many TRUNKS of Louis Vuitton luggage he brought with him!But something occurred in that Atlantis Auditorium and ten minutes later, Miss Venezuela WON! Yes, Stefania Fernandez won. The first time ever a contestant from the same country as the outgoing title holder won! This is HUGE in the pageant world. Stefania was gorgeous and so "regal" the entire time. She is half Spanish (her father was born in the region of Galicia but emigrated over 40 years ago to Venezuela) and her mother is Venezuelan of Polish and Ukrainian descent (her mother's maiden name is Krupij Holojad). How "international"! Congrats chama! I'll save a seat for you at the dinner table at my studio for some Pabellon Criollo whenever you visit LA! Below is video of her crowning moment:
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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2009 Gowns: Part 2

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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2009 Gowns: Part 2

Lots of Slits, Prints and a Caftan????Look, I shaved: Miss Nicaragua, Indiana Sanchez, shows her (very, very) high slit Here's a brief background into the Miss Universe Pageant and especially the "Gown Presentation". The contestants from all over the world arrive at their contest location--this year, the serene Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. They take their first "official photos", which include, of course, the Swimsuit and Evening Gown photos. Historically, (the contest has been occurring for 50 years much to the dismay of Feminist groups), these gowns are not necessarily the actual gowns the beauties will wear on the very official "Preliminary Competition", which chooses the Top Fifteen Finalists.There's A Sale At Jo Ann Fabrics: Miss Slovak Republic, Denisa Mendrejova uses all the leftover fabrics she could find Sometimes, in fact, the girls even change into another gown, for the live telecast, if they make "The Cut" (I know, it's a bit confusing but just follow along, it's not "rocket science" after all). But until both the Preliminary Night and the final live telecast, these gown photos are all we have to look at--as a hint and style direction of the girls' taste (or at least what their sometimes ill-advised pageant directors told them to wear). There are a couple trends that seem evident after seeing some of the evening gown photos. Flower Power:That's a Lot of Sweep: Miss Dominican Republic, Ada de la Cruz, in her Empire Maxi Printed Gown There were lots of flow-y flower and paisley printed maxi-gowns, which is right-on-trend and understandable when the Miss Universe Pageant is taking place in a Caribbean resort such as the Atlantis in the Bahamas. Some were done well (Dominican Republic's Ada de la Cruz) and some, well, take a look at Miss Slovak Republic, Denisa Mendrejova. I give those Eastern European girls points for being always a bit "two steps away from crazy" in their gowns, but this one, was just a tragic mess. Slit Happy: I Feel A Breeze: Miss Philippines, Bianca Manalo proudly shows that slit Although slits were a plenty in these evening gown portraits, at least it wasn't as out of control as it is usually seen at the Miss USA pageant. But, darlings, there was still plenty to see! Somehow, none of these countries' directors ever read my "Memo on Slits" back in April.Can Can Canada: Miss Canada, Mariana Valente's French Flag-inspired flower print and high slit gownThe Pharaohs Are Happy: Miss Egypt, Elhan Wagdi coily shows her slit--and her Stripper Lucite High Heels! I get the "point" of a slit: Drama, ease of movement. That still doesn't make it right. Personally, a slit-up-to-there says "Cheesy" more than "Classy". But it seems to be a trend and a staple of pageant dresses which unfortunately will not go away, and especially more so now since last year's Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza won the contest wearing...you guessed it, a gown with a very high slit! And even though I'm not such a fan of the ubiquitous slits, I admit that she looked AMAZING in it! Finally (for this posting), I have a couple "Nick Miss Universe Preliminary Gown Awards":First, the Carole Cook Caftan Award Goes To...Miss Colombia, Michelle Rouillard! Michelle showed up to the official "Welcome Dinner" in this neon apple green satin caftan of a concoction. And to be honest, I was LOVING IT!!! For Resort 2010, it is all about the Djeballah and caftans. I just never expected one would show up at the Miss Universe pageant. She gets ten "Nick Verreos" At-A-Girl" points for this. And Secondly, my so-far "Most Improved Award" goes to the lovely Miss Cayman Islands, Nicosia (love her name) Lawson. The last we saw of her--she was wearing THIS gown! But at the Official Welcome Dinner, she showed up in this yellow, navy and metallic print gown, which for me, was a nice modern (and no clear stripper heels were showing!) improvement. Whoever let her borrow this, should make her KEEP IT!!!!
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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2009: Gowns Part 1

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SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2009: Gowns Part 1

Pageant Gown TV: It's time for a Fashion Report!!! A la Nick Verreos....Arepas Anyone? Miss Universe 2008, the beautiful Dayana Mendoza, from Venezuela and designer Nick Verreos Yes, kids, it's that time again: Miss Universe! Pageant fans and fashionistas rejoice! The Miss Universe 2009 Pageant is just starting in the gorgeous island nation of The Bahamas! At the Atlantis Resort no less. As many of you may remember, I was one of the privileged designers to have been invited to show at the first ever Islands of The World Fashion Week last November in the Bahamas. And in fact, I got to stay at the Atlantis (out of control by the way!). Well, I guess, it's "all about the Bahamas", because they are now hosting the Miss Universe Pageant, which will air live on NBC, on August 23rd.That's a Big Microphone: Nick Verreos "Unofficially" reporting from LA on the Miss Universe Pageant Gowns Of course, it would have been a "pageant ball" for me to have been down there giving my "Nick Fashion Commentary" on the gowns and some of the misses and "messes". But somehow, I missed that phone call (I must have been in Europe in the Amalfi Coast). It would have been fun to give reportage with a former Miss Universe, for example (hello, how about my NIKOLAKI-client, the fabulous Brook Lee?). That would have been fabuloso! But for now, someone missed a great chance. But I will still "hold the pageant gown commenting fashion torch" and do what I can do (it would have SOOOOO much better on camera!) but... Miss Universe Fantasy Fashion Reportage from Los Angeles: Nick Verreos and former Miss Universe, Brook Lee (in NIKOLAKI dress) Over the weekend, the 84 Miss Universe contestants have been arriving in Nassau and "checking in". The first Evening Gown Photos are out and I just HAD to put in my "two cents"--unfortunately, it's a lot of "misses" within our Misses. Pun definitely intended.Case in point: Miss Hungary, Zsuzsa Budai . What fresh out of Hungarian Fashion School design student made this for her for $500 and convinced her--after way too many shots of vodka--to wear it? Is it a Hooker Convention? Or the Miss Universe Contest? Even the pose seems a bit "Hello, would you like me to be your Mistress?" Uhhh. How about "No!". Polyester satin and nylon tulle should NEVER mix. Poor thing. Miss Cayman Islands, Nicosia Lawson, and her strapless gown choice is better suited for a "Housewives of Atlanta" Junior Prom. One of my BIGGEST PAGEANT PEEVES are those damn clear Lucite Stripper Heels. And guess what she's wearing? Yep. And showing them with pride.Miss Guyana, Jenel Cox, is next on my "Chopping Block". Just because your lovely Grandmother made this, does not mean you have to wear it! Pink. Polyester. Satin. Really? Oh wait, there's a purple "peek-a-boo". I'd rather not. I like a deep neckline, however: That neckline is a bit too plunging.Finally (for now), Miss Netherlands. Four letters: DIVA. Silver Sequined Caftan. What fabulous gay man made this happen, is what I have to say? Does she look like Transgender Fierceness Miss Candis Cayne? Yes. Is it too over the top--even for Miss Universe? Maybe. But I am LIVING for it! At least, in these photos, Avalon-Chanel Weyzig, Miss Netherlands Universe is OWNING it! It's a mess, but in a FIERCE Drag Queen sort of way. If I was doing my Fantasy Miss Universe Pageant Fashion Commentary for Bahamian TV or NBC, me and my fellow fashion co-host Brook Lee, would have DIED over her! I just know it. This is just the beginning...the pageant isn't for another three weeks! I am sure there is a lot more high slits, clear Stripper heels and polyester where this came from! And surely, some fabulous gowns as well. I will be waiting for those images. Check back here. Live ....from Los Angeles. Nick Verreos. Reporting for my "Fantasy Pageant Fashion TV".
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